The Miami Hurricanes qualified for the College Football Playoff for the first time in school history in 2025. A big reason for the Canes’ success has been the play of true freshman receiver Malachi Toney.
Toney, who was a driving force behind the Canes’ success in 2025, shares the same last name as former New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney. He’s also the son of a former NFL wide receiver.
Here’s everything you need to know about Toney and his NFL roots.
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Is Malachi Toney related to Kadarius Toney?
The two players are not related, despite sharing the same last name. Kadarius is from Mobile, Ala., while Malachi is from South Florida.
Kadarius Toney, who played college football at the University of Florida, was selected No. 20 overall in the first round of the NFL Draft by the New York Giants. His NFL career never fully panned out, as he played just four seasons with the Giants, Kansas City Chiefs and Cleveland Browns.
Toney finished his career with 82 receptions for 760 yards and three touchdowns, and he has not been on an NFL roster since the 2024 season.
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Is Malachi Toney related to Antonio Brown?
Yes, Malachi Toney is related to a person named Antonio Brown — but not the former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver. A different receiver also named Antonio Brown is Malachi Toney’s father. That Antonio Brown is far lesser known and never made it to the NFL.
Malachi Toney dad NFL career
Toney’s father, also named Antonio Brown, played college football at West Virginia and went undrafted in 2002.
Listed at 5-foot-10 and 175 pounds, he spent the 2002 season with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers before joining the Buffalo Bills in 2003 and playing two more seasons with Washington from 2004–05.
He primarily served as a return specialist, recording 68 kick returns for 1,551 yards and a touchdown, along with 263 punt return yards.
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Where is Malachi Toney from?
Toney is from Fort Lauderdale, Fla. He's a former 4-star recruit from the class of 2025, ranked as the No. 49 wideout in his class. He played high school football at American Heritage, and received offers from Alabama, Colorado, Florida State. Georgia and Ohio State, among others.
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